Children’s Center Uses Glow Run To Teach Child Abuse Numbers

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Hundreds ran the streets of Rogers on Friday night to raise money for child abuse prevention.

The Benton County Children’s Advocacy Center held its 13th Glow Run, where many participants showed up in florescent gear. All proceeds from the event went to the center, organizers said.

The event gave the center’s workers an opportunity to educate the public while collecting money that will go toward various services, including counseling sessions.

The Children’s Advocacy Center saw about 640 cases of child abuse last year, and the center sees more than 400 children each month.

“It’s not easy to hear. It’s not fun to hear,” said Bonnie Bridges, deputy city attorney for the City of Rogers.

“There was approximately 115 kids walking through our doors for our services, so it’s a reality right here in our (backyard) in Benton County,” said Natalie Tibbs, the Children’s Advocacy Center’s assistant director.

Friday night’s event included a 5K run, a one-mile fun run, live music and food from local vendors.

“We all know that child abuse can be a very tough subject, but this is our way to get the word out,” said Jolana Aibangbee, the center’s director of development.

More than 500 runners participated in the Glow Run event.

“My wife wanted to make sure we were into it together, so we are having a bonding moment and putting it all on and having a good time,” said running Dean Vlavich, while gesturing toward paint designs on his skin.

Aibangbee said organizers and participants had fun, but they also helped spread awareness about a problem that hurts too many children.

“For us to have this event, we are able to get those numbers out there,” Aibangbee said. “And so that’s why we continue to do this event year after year.”